Visit Clarksburg Decatur Indiana and the surrounding area to see the top sights. Clarksburg, Indiana: Discover the "Turtle Crossing" art installation and explore the historic Fort Harrison State Park.
Honestly, if you think Indiana is just corn fields and endless highways, then you haven't seen Clarksburg yet. The city was founded in 1835 by a few pioneers who probably thought a bit of forest and a river run would be enough to create a “centre” – and behold, today it is charming in the heart of Fugit Township, Decatur County. I usually drive the old Route 36, because the traffic here is rarely a drama, and if I don't have a car, there's a small regional bus that takes me to the middle of the village without feeling like a Western film. I don't quite understand the hype about the historical plaques, but the small stones that stick to the old wooden houses give the place a certain retro charm, which is otherwise found only in movies. Right next to the town hall, which is more a well-preserved farmhouse than an administrative building, there is a tiny park where the locals run their dogs – a perfect spot to sniff the true Indiana. And yes, if you googlest to “Clarksburg Sights” you will quickly realize that the true highlight is the authentic smile of the people you only get when you take a little time to pust the dust from the road and just stop.
So, next time you stumble over Highway 36 and see the sign “Clarksburg – 2 miles” don’t let yourself be fooled by the plain road; the real jewel here is the Clarksburg United Methodist Church. I only entered the nave at my cousin's first service – and honestly, the crunching wooden benches have more charm than some hipster café chairs. The building dates from 1882, the stained glass windows are still original and the organ play sounds like someone stole the keys from an old barn piano. Parking is almost always a Klack, as long as you don't arrive there on Sunday morning after the choir – then the field before the nave becomes a battlefield for the cars.
A short walk down the main road leads you to Clarksburg Cemetery, a place I like to sign as a “historical open air museum”. The gravestones tell stories of pioneers here in the 19th century. Century their spades hit the ground, and the whole thing has a certain morbid charm that is missing in most modern cemeteries. I once discovered an old family name that I had randomly read in a genealogy forum – a real “ha moment” if you want. The terrain is freely accessible, and a small, slightly weathered wooden path leads you to the oldest markings that date back to 1859.
If you're looking for a place to free your feet from asphalt, look at the Clarksburg Community Park on. The park is small, but it has a playground that has more rust than color – an indication that a new playground is not built here every day. Nevertheless, the green is perfect for a picnic, and I have eaten my favorite sandwiches there several times while watching the local dog tail that ran over the playground again and again as if he were the mayor. There are a few benches, a small trampoline and a few old trees that donate shadows in the summer – practical if you want to protect yourself from the Indiana hut.
Another highlight I can hardly overlook is that old school building of Clarksburgwhich today serves as a small museum. The school was built in 1915 and has seen more generations of children than I can count. I remember spending a few hours as a teenager there to browse old yearbooks, and suddenly the feeling that I was in a time capsule came across. The classrooms are still equipped with the original wooden panels, and the old heating system crawls every time someone opens the door – an acoustic souvenir from another era. Admission is free, and parking is a piece behind the building where a few old tractors stand as decoration.
For those who want to combine a bit of history with a touch of engineering art, there are Clarksburg Bridge over the White River. The bridge is an inconspicuous concrete arch that was built in 1935 and today still carries the traffic of County Road 200N. I put my bike down there to take a picture, and suddenly a tractor came by so loud that I thought the building would collapse – fortunately not. The bridge is a popular spot for local photography enthusiasts because you have a wide view over the river bank from there. There is no official parking, but a small field path leads you directly, and this is usually enough to enjoy the whole thing.
A bit away from the usual paths Clarksburg Grain Elevator, an imposing wooden building that has been storing grain from the surroundings since the 1950s. I once met a local peasant who told me that the grain is still loaded by hand here – a relic from the time before the machines take over the field. The whole has a certain rustic charm, and the noise of the falling grains is almost hypnotic. You can see the terrain from the street, and a short trip to the adjacent field gives you the feeling of standing in the heart of Indiana.
And yes, if you ask yourself what else you can see in Clarksburg, just look at the Clarksburg Attractions that I have listed here – that’s enough to fill a weekend without feeling like in an amusement park that tries to overwhelm you with too many attractions. I mean, there are no exaggerated souvenir shops here, just honest, slightly cracking history that reminds you that the real Indiana is not made of neon lights, but of squeaking wooden benches, old gravestones and a bit of dusty grain.
The first stop I couldn't miss was the Lincoln Trail State Park, a piece of history that hides around 20 miles east of Clarksburg. The park is famous for its hiking trails leading along the old path that Abraham Lincoln once walked – yes, the same Lincoln who later declared the independence of the USA, not some local politician. I spent half a day there, and although the signs are sometimes as sparse as the breakfast at the motel, a narrow path leads through a forest piece that explodes in autumn into a firework of red and yellow tones. Easy parking there is at the main exit, but if you arrive at the weekend, you should come early, otherwise you will fight a place between the picnic tables.
A few miles further, almost unnoticed by the tourists, the Cedar Creek Trail stretches through the fields of Fugit Township. This path is not an Instagram hotspot, for it a real secret tip for those who are fed up with the noise and human stuff. I remember how I was suddenly surprised in the summer of 2022 by a swarm of frogs from the bush – a loud concert that almost caused me to return. The trail is well marked, but parking is a bit of a gamble: a small gravel road next to the entrance offers only space for one or two cars, so better come by bike if you don't want to turn all day in circle.
If you want to combine land life with a bit of show business, there's no way past Adams County Fairgrounds. The site is located on the edge of Decatur, just a short stroller from Clarksburg, and houses the annual County Fair spectacle that has more than just Rummel and Corn Dogs to offer. I once saw a horse race that reminded of a rodeo from a Western film, and the popcorn was actually better than that in most cinemas. Practical note: Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem – the entrance is then an endless traffic jam from tractors and family cars.
For those who like a little scary, the abandoned Decatur State Hospital is a must. The old sanatorium is located just outside the city, surrounded by high trees that create a creepy rustling in the wind. I took some brave friends there at dawn, and we stabbed the rusted gate to explore the interior. The corridors are covered by graffiti, and the echo of your steps sounds like the building itself breathes. No official guidance, so bring your flashlight with you and be ready to scare yourself – this is the true adventure.
A short trip to Monroe, a tiny place that has hardly more than a sign and a few old barns, is worth the historic school house, which today serves as a museum. The building dates back to 1875 and preserves original benches, chalkboards and a few yellowed class books. I discovered an old photograph where a boy with a too big hat can be seen – a real snapshot from the time when life went even slower. The museum has no fixed opening hours, but the villagers like to open the door for visitors who are curious enough to find the way.
Another highlight I can't leave is the Adams County Historical Museum in Decatur. Although it is technically located in the city, it is only a stone's throw from Clarksburg and offers a deep insight into local history – from the pioneering period to modern developments. I found an old diary there written by an early settler, and the handwritten notes about daily life were fascinating. Easy parking there is right in front of the building, and the museum is a good place to find some rest after a long day outdoors.
For those who prefer to relax on the water, a short trip to the Wabash River is a real pleasure. The river flows not far from Decatur and offers numerous places for fishing, paddling or just sitting and watching the passing boats. I caught a huge rush there that almost threw the boat - a moment I'll never forget. Access to the river is free, but the best docks are often well visited on weekends, so better be there early.
Last but not least, a short note for aviation enthusiasts: The Adams County Airport is just a few kilometers south of Clarksburg and is a popular spot for plane observers. I have often spent my spare time there while small propeller planes crawled over the sky. There is a small parking lot, which is usually free, and a sign with a board where the arriving flights are displayed. Perfect if you want to combine a little technical love with a relaxed afternoon.
Whether you're looking for historical insights, remote hiking trails or a touch of Grusel – Clarksburg's surroundings have more to offer than you would suspect at first sight. These Clarksburg Attractions show that the small Indiana area is full of surprises that can inspire every modern traveler (or at least bring them to sneak).
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